1986 k100rt windshield options

[pfetter]

I have the windshield that has a curved lip at the top, which I really like, what would be better is if it was about 3" shorter. I like looking over the top of the windshield instead of through it, especially if it is raining or at night. Has anyone cut these down on the bottom or are their other after market options out there.:usa

[LSkrabut]

try Clearview Shields for the older K100/75 RT/LT series of fairings

http://www.clearviewshields.com/

they make some stock sizes and I be willing to bet that they would be able to custom make a shield to your liking to a point.

[deilenberger]

On my K100RT - I had several shields. My favorite was the one with winglets built into it. It helped a lot with the unbearable heat problem. I had to cut that one down about 2.5" to work for me.

Use a sabre saw with adjustable speed at a slow speed (so you don't melt the plastic - you want to cut it..), and a not too fine tooth metal blade. Before starting tape both sides using some blue painters tape, and then draw your cut line on it (I did the cut line by folding a large manila folder in half, and drawing the radius on one side, the cutting both sides of the fold - unfold it, put it on the windshield and trace aloing the cut edge to mark the cut.)

Go slow and steady. It's best done with the shield off the bike and fully supported. I had a sawhorse with a wide top that I built up with folded towels so the shield could be held very firnly in place.

When done cutting - take your belt sander and gently smooth off the cut edge. Successive finer grades of sandpaper will smooth it out - and if you want a factory looking edge, wiping the cut edge (and ONLY the edge - don't get it on the clear surfaces) with some xylene will dissolve out the remaining sanding marks. I've also heard of people using a "soft" flame (lots of yellow) from a propane torch to smooth it, or using plastic polishing compounds.

BMW shields usually have some sort of coating on them to help prevent scratching. This often pulls off when you take off the tape - but I can't think of any way to make the cut without using the tape (it helps prevent chipping of the edges.) On my K bike shield - I eventually pulled all the coating off using painters tape and it actually looked much better and clearer then it had with the coating still on it.

Good luck - and post some before/after pics!

[MonteC]

+1 on the Clearview option

Also, I don't think it would be possible to reduce the height by cutting the bottom since the width and curve of the shield would no longer fit the fairing. You'll have to remove the height by adjusting the top.